Meeting Minutes of the Richmond City Council

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Regular City Council

Item # 1- Call to Order / Pledge of Allegiance

The meeting was called to Order at 6:30pm and all present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Present: Mike Mathiason, Scott Kron, Jeff Mackedanz, Tim Paczkowski, Jim Hemmesch, Martin Bode, Adam Ripple, Gordy Dingmann, Kevin Mooney, Randy Jenniges, Chuck Merten, Sheldon Lang, Lee Gladitsch- Rocori Knowledge Bowl, Tom Ruhland-President of the River Lakes Hockey Assn. East, Tammy Paczkowski, Cold Spring Record and the Channel 10 camera operator.

Item #2- Approval of Agenda

Mayor Hemmesch asked for the Approval of Agenda. Mayor Hemmesch asked if there were any additions or changes to the Agenda, which were none. Motion by Kron, seconded by Paczkowski. Passed unanimously.

Item #3- Approval of the Meeting Minutes of January 4, 2012 (Regular and Workshop)

Mayor Hemmesch asked for the Approval of the Meeting Minutes of January 4, 2012, Regular and Workshop. Motion made by Mackedanz, seconded by Mathiason. Passed unanimously.

Item #4- Consent Agenda (approved by one motion)

Mayor Hemmesch asked for Approval of the Consent Agenda. Motion made by Paczkowski, seconded by Mathiason. Passed unanimously.

a. Approval of Just and Correct Claims

b. Resolution 113-12 Approval of January Journal Entries

c. Resolution 114-12 Acceptance January 2012 Donations

d. Resolution 115-12 Liability Coverage Waiver

Item #5-Cold Spring Area Hockey Assn – President Tom Ruhland

Mr. Ruhland discussed the activities of the River Lakes East Hockey Association. Administrator Bode asked Mr. Ruhland to define the "East and West" Hockey Associations. Mr. Ruhland stated that the River Lakes Hockey Association is divided into two parts: East and West. The East encompasses Richmond, Cold Spring and Rockville and calls the Richmond Arena home. The West encompasses Paynesville, New London, Spicer, Belgrade, Brooten, Elrosa, Eden Valley, and Watkins and calls the Koronis Arena in Paynesville home. They were combined together by the State Hockey Assoc. and are separated only by finances. For ages 8 and under, hockey players play their "home" arena. Ages 9 and up are then old enough to play on traveling teams and thereby play at both Richmond and Paynesville as home base. Mr. Ruhland (representing the "Rocori area-East) went on to say the season was going very well and the "ice is in great shape". The paved parking has been a great addition and is greatly appreciated by all, including visiting teams. Mr. Ruhland, however did point out that there is an issue with heat for spectators in the arena and now has the reputation among tournaments as a "cold arena". He stated that if the heating could be improved, the association was prepared to make a donation of 2/3 of the cost and asked if the City of Richmond would consider budgeting for the remaining 1/3 of the cost. Ruhland also pointed out that the hockey events do bring a lot of visitors to the City of Richmond. Mr. Lang asked if the "promotion sheets" that the Civic and Commerce marketing committee had put together and given to the arena to hand out to patrons was well received by patrons. Mr. Ruhland replied that they were. Mayor Hemmesch asked if Mr. Ruhland received similar promotional items when playing out of town; Ruhland replied that "he does". Councilor Kron stated that he had heard that the arena is "cold" and asked about a price quote from previous discussion on the heating system. Mr. Mooney, Arena Director replied that the quote still "holds". Mr. Mooney pointed out that the system currently in the arena was donated. The "trick" in the heating system is one that maintains some heat, but doesn't affect the ice. Heat shields help direct the heat to spectators in the bleachers. Councilor Mathiason stated that the arena's in Sauk Rapids and Paynesville experience the same issues and asked if we could run reclaimed heat from the roof system. Mooney stated that he had talked with CNC regarding "reclaimed heat", however, it is expensive and they need heat sometimes when the system is not running. Mayor Hemmesch nodded in agreement. Councilor Mackedanz asked Mr. Ruhland is entities such as the Lions Club had been or could be asked for donations toward the heating system, to which Ruhland replied, yes. Councilor Kron asked if this was needed for next season. Ruhland replied, yes, if possible.

Item #6- Rocori Knowledge Bowl – Lee Gladitsch

Mr. Gladitsch addressed council on behalf of the Rocori Knowledge Bowl team. He asked if some of the council members could attend the Rocori home meet, which is the first at the senior high level in 10 years. He also spoke of the need for some volunteers for the event. The Knowledge Bowl meet will take place at the high school on March 3, 2012 at 9am and Mr. Gladitsch anticipates the meet will end at approximately 2-3pm. Mr. Gladitsch outlined Knowledge Bowl and how the event is played, even posing a sample question to the Council. He highlighted the fact that it is an opportunity to experience an extracurricular activity that isn't spoken about very often. Councilor Mathiason asked if the need for volunteers was open to the public, which Mr. Ruhland verified that it is. Council thanked Mr. Ruhland and he likewise thanked the Council for their time.

Item #7- EDA – Sheldon Lang

Mr. Lang started off by stating that a block of property for sale in Tower Acres has received an offer from a retail business that will employee 10-12 employees. The offer came in after the property being listed for about six weeks. Mr. Lang said the "hunting company" hired by the interested party is from Missouri. Mr. Lang stated that the EDA is in the process of revising their 2012 budget and he will present that to Council upon completion. Mr. Lang also commented that he had advised the Main Street Committee to bring their ideas to the Council. Mr. Lang stated that the Glacial Lakes Pavilion is on the final phase of the project. Electricity and plumbing will be installed in the next 1-2 weeks. Councilor Kron asked about the pavers and Mr. Lang stated that those will be the last part of the project as they will border the sidewalk. Lang also stated that pavers are still for sale. Mayor Hemmesch asked about the size of the pavers, to which Lang replied the pavers come in two sizes: 4" X 8" for $150.00 and an 8" X 8" for $300.00. Lang also stated that many people are buying them as memorials. Lang also stated the committee hopes to possibly have an area map at the Pavilion, flag and possibly other useful items as well.

Item #8-Parks, Recreation and Arena Director Report – Kevin Mooney

Kevin Mooney Mr. Mooney stated that since the lights have been updated at the arena, condensation is building up from the lights as they are at a lower wattage and temperature than the old ones. However, the condensation does drip to walk area's and he will be testing an area for what would be most effective. Councilor Mathiason suggested trying a foam lining. Mr. Mooney stated that he has a very good staff and that things are running smoothly. They are very busy and "renting ice". Cut-off for ice will be around March 13th-15th and then the turf will be laid. The Rocori Girls Softball team will be practicing at the arena again this spring and the Rocori baseball team has expressed their interest to practice at the arena as well. Mr. Mooney went on to say that if the plan is to use the arena as an indoor practice area for baseball and softball, they will probably need to look at obtaining a batting cage. He also stated that the Anoka Community College may be selling their cages. The college is also where we purchased the turf at a very reasonable price when they replaced theirs. Mr. Mooney pointed out that the ball teams are not able to use the new high school gym for practice and there is a need in the area for indoor practice venues. Mr. Mooney will check on cost of used batting cages and weigh checks and balances. He will then present information to the council. Mr. Mooney reported that the Hockey Association will be hosting a Beer and Wine Tasting event at the arena on May 19th. They look to host 30-40 beer and wine vendors and sell 1,000 tickets. The date is the same day as the Old Glory Run and they look for this to be on ongoing fundraising event. Relay for Life committee member Amy Aumussen, has contacted Mr. Mooney and expressed their interest to host a Midnight 5k Walk/Run the same night as the Relay for Life on June 16th. They would like this event to take place in Richmond. Mr. Mooney consulted Mr. Ripple on the legalities affiliated with such an event. Mr. Mooney pointed out that Ms. Ausmussen has consulted with Police Chief Jones as well. Mr. Mooney went on to say the the Relay for Life is very good about taking care of all of those details. The basic route has been plotted and there will only be one intersection at County Road 9 with stop sign. He speculates that the event will only last about an hour. Mr. Mooney reported that the Safe Route to School project is ready to begin. Summer activities are in the beginning planning stage with the Little League Baseball meeting on February 22nd at Haffley's and Soccer is working to complete Grant applications. Councilor Kron stated that the Richmond Royals looks to host another baseball clinic again this year.

Item #9-Public Works Director Report – Gordon Dingmann

Mr. Dingmann started off by saying that due to the mild winter weather this far, they have only had to plow twice so far. With that in mind, they are operating well under the snow removal budget and are purchasing small things that are much needed in the shop. There was a sewer back up on 1st Street between Hall and Grant streets, which has been resolved. This project is slated for 2013, so they will keep working on the issue. The back up was due to roots in the system and there was a similar issue in that area last summer. Mr. Dingmann reported that according to MNDOT, some of our street signs will need to be replaced sometime in 2012. The start is changing some of the program, which is buying the city some extra time to address the situation. Mr. Dingmann went on to say that he will inventory the signs in the city to see which will need to be replaced. There has been some discussion with Cold Spring, Paynesville and some other area cities to pool their sign order together, to save money. In addition, according to MNDOT, the City of Richmond is responsible for the changing the lights and painting of the stop lights on Highway 23. Mr. Dingmann will be seeking quotes for that work due to the hazardous nature of the job because of it's location on the busy highway.

Item #10-Water / Wastewater Operator Report – Greg Stang

A written report was given to Council and all is well.

Item #11-Fire Department Report – Chuck Merten

Chief Merten reported that there were a total of 8 calls for the month of January: Rescues- 5 medical and one car accident and they responded to 2 mutual aid fire calls. Merten reported that the department completed a section of their 4/4 plan for medical training. They are working on CPR and breathing techniques. Life sustaining medical treatments were also a part of that training. Each segment is "part of fulfilling our 1st Responder and EMT refreshers." Chief Merten reported that some members attended the EMS day at St. Johns and some attended the Life Link training at the Chain of Lakes department. They will also be reviewing and updating "preplans" for area businesses. Chief Merten announced that several members of the City of Richmond Fire and Rescue were recognized for their years of service in the EMS System. They are: John Kuel- 5 years, Paul Wienmann and Mark Henen- 10 years, Dave Thielen- 20 years and retired in December and Chuck Merten-30 years.

Chief Merten presented Resolution 117-12, the Slate of Officers. Mayor Hemmesch asked for a motion to approve the officers. Motion was made by Mackedanz, seconded by Paczkowski. Passed unanimously.

Councilor Mathiasen asked Chief Merten if he knew what the response time was by the Richmond Department to the mutual aid calls. Merten responded that one was from Cold Spring and the other was the Chain of Lakes department. Chief Merten did not have that information with him, but stated he estimates the response time was between 4-5 minutes. Councilor Kron asked Merten is the department would be hosting their annual Chicken Dinner Fundraiser, to which he replied that they will, but had no date. Chief Merten stated that the dinner is always held the Sunday prior to Memorial Day weekend. Councilor Kron expressed concern that there might have been a conflict with the Beer and Wine tasting event to be held on May 19th by the Hockey Association. It was determined there will be no conflict.

Item #12-City Attorney Report – Adam Ripple

Nothing to report

Item #13- Council Reports

a. EDA- covered by Sheldon Lang.

b. Planning Commission -Nothing to report.

c. Parks / Rocori Trail-Covered by Kevin Mooney

d. Tri City Cable - Mayor Hemmesch reported that he and Councilor Mackedanz attended the Tri City Cable meeting. They will be starting a technology fund to update the computers in the lab at the high school. He also stated he attended the 5th Monday meeting, involving representatives from all of the schools in the Rocori district, city representatives and representatives from Wakefield Township. It was agreed that all should do what they can to work as a single unit. Councilor Kron also mentioned the Stearns Municipal meeting with the County Commissioners and reps from cities within Stearns County. The meeting was held in Eden Valley. He said that the 7W area is conducting a "jail study". The 7W Region includes the counties of Stearns, Wright, Sherburne and Benton counties under a joint powers agreement to qualify for federal loans, which would otherwise be unavailable.

Item #14- Purchase Requisitions

Administrator Bode reported on his findings on the charge for codification of the city ordinances and found them to be $20.00 per page for a total of $2390.00, which he recommends. Mr. Bode also stated that he felt that the website service was not needed. Secondly, Administrator Bode pointed out the Annual Conference in March. Lastly, Mr. Bode addressed the issue of document scanning. He stated that due to software upgrades and outdated hardware, Marco made the offer of a dedicated scanner, paper, upgraded software for one low price. It was pointed out that the biggest asset of electronic storage of documents is the ability to find archived paperwork quickly and efficiently. Mr. Ripple also pointed out that in the case of fire or natural disaster, the backup electronic paperwork is stored offsite. Mayor Hemmesch asked for a motion to approve these purchases. Motion made by Councilor Paczkowski, seconded by Mathiason. Passed unanimously.

Item #15-Other Matters of Concern and Related Matters

Administrator Bode mentioned that wastewater updates regarding PFA loans require funds be set aside for repair and/or replacement, to be discussed at a later time.

Councilor Mathiason took a moment to remind everyone that Township elections will be held on March 13th and if anyone has concerns about their elected officials, that would be a good time to "voice your concerns" and make your vote count.

Councilor Kron stated that the Main Street Committee meeting went well and the next meeting will be held at the bus shed on February 13th.

Item #16 Adjournment.

Mayor Hemmesch asked if there were any additional items for the Council to consider. Hearing no further comments, he asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.

A Motion was Made to Adjourn by Kron, Second by Mathiasen. Motion Passed Unanimously.

Mayor Hemmesch declared the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Martin M. Bode

Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer